JUDGMENT :

M.S. Ramachandra Rao, CJ.

This appeal is filed by the State of Himachal Pradesh challenging the judgment dt. 11th November, 2019 in Arbitration Case No.103 of 2015 of the learned Single Judge of this Court.

2. Notice was issued to the respondent and the said notice has also been served on the respondent, but, there is no representation on behalf of the respondent.

3. After hearing the submissions of the learned Additional Advocate General, the matter is being disposed of by this judgment.

4. Work of construction of Degree College Darang at Narla, Tehsil Padhar, District Mandi was awarded to the respondent through office letter dt. 20th November, 2008 by appellant no.2 for Rs.1,88,80,682/-. The time allowed for completion of work was 18 months which was to be reckoned from the 15th day of the award letter/letter of intent dt. 1st November, 2008. Thus, the work was to be completed on or before 14.05.2010. It is alleged by the appellants that the respondent contractor could not complete the work within the stipulated time period; that the time extension was given by the Superintending Engineer, Joginder Nagar Circle on 05.08.2011, and only thereafter the work was completed and h